How Albert Einstein’s Former Secretary Became the Face of a Buzzy Brooklyn Label

Kahle is the sort of Brooklyn-based label that whips up chic clothes for artistically minded young women—so naturally, it is known for its inclusive mind-set. According to founder Mary Kahle, the Spring 2018 collection was modeled by an all-female cast of “cis, queer, and non-binary artists, performers, writers, and musicians.” As for the campaign, the label tapped 90-year-old Jane Krecicki, grandmother of campaign photographer and Vogue contributor Nikki Krecicki, to model.

The idea to include Jane in the campaign came from one of Nikki’s previous projects titled Jane and I, in which Nikki photographed her grandmother in different looks, including pieces from Eckhaus Latta, Jacquemus, Acne, and Kahle. The series was later shown at the “Labs New Artists” exhibition at Red Hook Labs, and both Nikki and Jane wore Kahle to the opening. “My grandmother was radiant that night in Mary’s [Kahle] beautiful gold satin dress. Mary and I have always talked about our families and how important these women are in our life,” says Nikki. “We both agreed that Jane would be a great fit for the new collection celebrating women dear to us.”

While Jane has no modeling past—she was Albert Einstein’s personal secretary—she has always had clearly defined personal style. According to her daughter, Kim, “Jane was 5-foot-10 and enjoyed wearing fashionable clothes. Her work style at RCA had her wearing broomstick skirts,” she says. “Dressy affairs and church had her wearing hats and gloves. She says that when out dancing in her broomstick skirt, she wanted that skirt to fly.” There’s a touch of advocacy in Jane’s fashion sense, too. “Jane’s style is tailored and she tends to wear mostly slacks and blouses,” Kim adds. “She fought for the right to wear slacks as a girl as the fashion at the time had young girls wearing dresses.” As for modeling for the Kahle campaign, Jane considers the experience “a breath of fresh air!”

Of course, this isn’t the first time an older model has entered the industry. Ninety-five-year-old Ernestine “Erni” Stollberg became an Instagram sensation after she modeled for the Vienna concept store Park, and Elon Musk’s mother, Maye Musk, became the face of CoverGirl at age 69. In Russia, there’s an entire agency dedicated to talent who fit in the retiree bracket.

All casting trends aside, Jane has been enjoying her time in front of the cameras and also shares a special connection with her granddaughter. “I have been photographing my grandmother for the past three years, and it has truly brought us a better understanding of one another,” says Nikki. “Each time we shoot, we discover a little bit more about each other and ourselves.”